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MP High Court order to Election Commission on voting
Jabalpur, Nov 29: In a significant order, Madhya Pradesh High Court today directed the Election Commission to allow casting of votes by people not possessing any of the 15 proofs listed by the poll panel if they are identified by any local individual during assembly polls in the state on December 1.
Jabalpur, Nov 29: In a significant order, Madhya Pradesh High Court today directed the Election Commission to allow casting of votes by people not possessing any of the 15 proofs listed by the poll panel if they are identified by any local individual during assembly polls in the state on December 1.
A division bench comprising Justice K K Lahoti and Justice Ajeet Singh also asked the commission to ensure maximum possible publicity to the order through the electronic media and if necessary by beating of drums as only a day is left before the polling.
The court held that under section 35 of the election conduct rule if anybody whose name is in the electoral roll is identified by the presiding officer as a voter with the help of any local resident, he is entitled to cast his vote.
While giving the brief directive, the special bench disposed of the petition filed by Jabalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry which had challenged election commission's order under which a voter should be allowed to exercise his franchise by showing one of the 15 documents.
The chamber contended that if the EC order is followed in a rigid manner then only about 55 per cent of voters would be entitled to cast their votes and the remaining 45 per cent would be deprived of their voting rights.
The special bench constituted by the Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice K Rajaratnam for hearing the petition held a special sitting today to dispose of the matter.
Bureau Report
The court held that under section 35 of the election conduct rule if anybody whose name is in the electoral roll is identified by the presiding officer as a voter with the help of any local resident, he is entitled to cast his vote.
While giving the brief directive, the special bench disposed of the petition filed by Jabalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry which had challenged election commission's order under which a voter should be allowed to exercise his franchise by showing one of the 15 documents.
The chamber contended that if the EC order is followed in a rigid manner then only about 55 per cent of voters would be entitled to cast their votes and the remaining 45 per cent would be deprived of their voting rights.
The special bench constituted by the Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice K Rajaratnam for hearing the petition held a special sitting today to dispose of the matter.
Bureau Report